[HWPL] Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches unite—a decade-long journey marks a historic turning point for South Sudan
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has been a nation caught in the painful cycle of civil conflict. For citizens weary of watching numerous peace agreements collapse, a powerful beacon of hope has finally emerged from the capital city of Juba.
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has officially adopted Resolution No. 29/2025 in support of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). With this milestone, South Sudan has become a premier global example of a nation where all three branches of government—executive, judiciary, and legislature—have fully embraced the DPCW as an official framework for national harmony.
A New Tomorrow Built on a Legal Foundation
The adoption of this resolution is far more than a completed legal procedure; it is the fruit of a deep-seated yearning among South Sudanese leaders and citizens to break the shackles of division.
Reflecting the core values of the DPCW’s 10 Articles and 38 Clauses, the resolution outlines concrete, actionable mandates for the country’s future:
International Support for the DPCW: Formally recognizing the DPCW as a vital international framework for the cessation of war and supporting its adoption as an official United Nations General Assembly resolution.
Peace-focused Resource Reallocation: Recommending that military resources and public funds be shifted toward human rights, education, and healthcare to promote sustainable development.
Institutionalizing a Culture of Peace: Integrating peace and human rights education into public school curricula and policy, while providing structural support for youth-led programs like the YEPW and YEPC.
Peace Convictions Born out of Refugee Life
At the very heart of this historic milestone were two South Sudanese leaders who transformed their personal experiences of wartime suffering into a driving force for peace: Former Speaker of Parliament Jemma Nunu Kumba and Hon. Bona Deng Lawrence, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.
For Jemma Nunu Kumba, peace is a value directly tied to survival. When civil war tore the region apart in 1991, she was among the hundreds of thousands forced to flee across the border into exile. During those difficult years, she held onto a single, overriding desire: to return home and live alongside her people.
"Life in exile is never a good experience. Leaving your country is like losing a part of your soul. I simply wanted to live in my homeland together with my people."
Upon returning and eventually leading the Parliament, Kumba saw the DPCW not as a mere document, but as a practical blueprint for survival. Having seen previous treaties crumble, she realized that the DPCW offers a tangible framework through which a country can voluntarily develop its own laws and public policies to safeguard its people.
"The DPCW is a Vital Tool to Complement Government Efforts"
Speaking during an interview at the HWPL September 18 World Peace Summit commemoration, Former Speaker Kumba stressed the urgency of the DPCW in light of South Sudan's current challenges:
"The war has displaced a vast number of people who now urgently need resettlement. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in a neighboring country has adversely affected our economy, creating additional obstacles to the implementation of the peace agreement. Government resources alone are insufficient. Now, the DPCW is an important tool for us, which can be used to complement the efforts of the government."
Hon. Bona Deng Lawrence shared that the resolution brought an immense sense of relief and reassurance to a public that felt the 2018 peace process had stagnated. When the Parliament demonstrated its commitment by passing the resolution, the overwhelming joy of the citizens put their deep love for peace on full display.
Moving Beyond Memories, Taking Action for Change
One leader was shaped by the harsh realities of refugee life; the other was driven by a profound mission inherited from his father. Though their journeys began at different starting points, both leaders have proven a timeless truth: peace is not a passive gift, but a deliberate choice that must be actively pursued.
By institutionalizing the DPCW, South Sudan is signaling to the world that it is moving past the trauma of its history and stepping into an era of self-sustained peace.
South Sudan’s achievement in uniting its executive, judicial, and legislative branches behind a legal framework for peace sends a powerful wave of hope to conflict zones worldwide. It reminds us that lasting security is built not by weapons, but by a shared commitment to structural respect and human rights. Let us join hands to support and cheer on the people of South Sudan as they nurture this hard-won peace into a bright, sustainable future. What does active peacebuilding look like to you? Share your thoughts below!
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